Wichita Thunder
Athletic Trainer
Wichita Thunder - Manager
Wichita · KS
Strength and Conditioning / Fitness · Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapy/Doctor
0
4
days ago
Athletic Trainer
Wichita Thunder Hockey Club
About the Wichita Thunder
The Wichita Thunder are a proud member of the ECHL and the official ECHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks (NHL). Since 1992, the Thunder have been a cornerstone of professional hockey in south-central Kansas, providing exciting, affordable family entertainment while competing at the highest level of minor league hockey.
Our organization is committed to developing elite hockey talent, creating memorable fan experiences, and building a culture of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork. We are seeking a passionate Athletic Trainer who is dedicated to player health, performance, and helping our athletes compete at their highest level throughout the season.
Position Summary
The Wichita Thunder are seeking a full-time Athletic Trainer to oversee the medical care, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall health of our players. Working closely with the Head Coach, hockey operations staff, team physicians, strength & conditioning personnel, and front office leadership, this individual will play a vital role in keeping our athletes healthy and prepared to compete throughout the ECHL season.
The Athletic Trainer will travel with the team for all road games, provide daily treatment and rehabilitation, coordinate player medical care, and ensure compliance with league and team medical standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide immediate medical evaluation and emergency care during all practices, games, and team functions.
- Evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate player injuries to facilitate a safe and timely return to play.
- Develop and implement individualized injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
- Coordinate all player medical care with team physicians, orthopedic specialists, dentists, chiropractors, and other healthcare providers as needed.
- Maintain accurate medical records, injury reports, treatment logs, and documentation in accordance with ECHL and professional standards.
- Prepare the locker room and athletic training facilities daily, ensuring all supplies, medications, emergency equipment, and treatment areas are organized and fully stocked.
- Coordinate medical logistics for road trips, including emergency action plans, visiting team needs, and communication with host athletic trainers.
- Assist with player physicals, preseason testing, concussion protocols, and return-to-play procedures.
- Communicate regularly with the coaching staff regarding player availability while maintaining appropriate medical confidentiality.
- Work collaboratively with strength and conditioning personnel to maximize player health, recovery, and performance.
- Assist with workers' compensation documentation, insurance claims, and other administrative medical responsibilities as needed.
- Maintain all emergency medical equipment, including AEDs and trauma supplies.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training or a related field.
- Current certification through the Board of Certification (BOC).
- Current state licensure (or ability to obtain Kansas licensure prior to employment).
- Current CPR, AED, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Minimum of 2–5 years of athletic training experience, with hockey experience strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of concussion management, emergency response, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with coaches, physicians, and hockey operations staff.
- Ability to lift and transport athletic training equipment.
- Valid driver's license and passport (or ability to obtain one) for team travel.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working in professional, collegiate, junior, or elite-level hockey.
- Master's degree in Athletic Training or a related field.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- Experience with manual therapy, dry needling (where licensed), cupping, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and other evidence-based treatment techniques.
- Familiarity with electronic medical record systems and sports performance technology.
Schedule & Travel
Professional hockey is not a traditional 9-to-5 career. This position requires the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extensive travel throughout the ECHL season, including preseason, regular season, and postseason competition.
Why Join the Wichita Thunder?
- Be part of one of the ECHL's longest-standing franchises.
- Work daily in a fast-paced professional hockey environment.
- Collaborate with experienced coaches, physicians, and hockey professionals.
- Play an integral role in the health and performance of elite athletes.
- Opportunities for professional growth within the ECHL and the broader professional hockey landscape.
The Wichita Thunder are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
